Wednesday, November 26, 2008

The Solomon Islands Red Cross takes part in a Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement's global campaign to prepare a way for a Launch of the 150 years of its existence, as the world's largest humanitarian volunteers network.

The launch of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement's 150 years will be done on May5, 2009- The World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day.SI Red Cross starts the campaign with an official slogan: "Our world. Your move".On December 5, 2008, the local Red Cross will celebrate the Internatioanl Volunteers Day to pay tribute to the dedication and selfless deeds of its volunteers and other volunteers around the world. Volunteers lay the foundation of the Red Cross through applying First Aid, disseminating humanitarian values, bandaging the wounded, and promoting healthy living in our communities.On the same glimse, a joint official letter from the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and International Federation of the Red Cross/Red Crescent Socieites (IFRCS) this campaign is a call to action. The world today faces unprecedented challenges and we must all work together to address these challenges and promote a culture of engagement.

It says this concept is represented by a globe in disarray. Our message is that by becoming interested and aware, and by "making a move" to help others, everyone has the power to restore hope and order to a messy world.The slogan conveys a sense of responsibility (Our world.) and the power of both individual and collective action to make a difference (Your move.).

This campaign will be supported by a unique web portal that will serve as a gateway for members of the public to explore the world of the Red Cross and Red Crescent--the challenges we face, the work we do and the people we help. To access this, it will be available on March 2009 on web: www.ourworld-yourmove.org.

Brief Background of Solomon Islands Red Cross:Solomon Islands Red Cross Society, by the act of the National Parliament (a separate act from the Non Governmental Organizations Act) in 1983 established as an auxiliary (extra supporter) of the state dedicated to protecting human life and dignity in the Solomon Islands, thereby promoting lasting peace.

Hundreds of people in the Red Cross help those hurt by armed conflict, social disturbances, natural disasters, and other human tragedies. Victims around the country and region come to trust the people of the Red Cross to be there to provide important humanitarian services.

The people of the organization help anyone in urgent need. No regard is paid to political, racial, religious, or ideological differences. No point of view or person is favoured over another. Neither influence nor pressure will change these facts.

But the Solomon Islands Red Cross is more than a philosophy, or a historical institution. It is the part of a worldwide belief that human life and dignity are worthy of respect and protection from ravages of man and nature. It is a belief made real every day by the actions of skilled and trained people who are moved by a deep personal desire to help others without regard for their own material gain.

Red Cross members help people to prepare for, recover from, and, if possible, prevent the effects of tropical cyclones, floods, fires, sea level rise, diseases, or other disasters that threaten individuals or communities.They help people prevent and handle emergencies through Commercial and Community Based First Aid trainings and health skills. Where needed and possible, they save hundreds of lives by promoting reliable supply of blood. They also share the resources necessary to improve service to people throughout the Solomon Islands, regionally, and internationally. They give new direction in the lives of the disable children through special education to read and write in sign language. Today, disable children are our aspirations who contribute in making Solomon Islands a better place for humanity.

The financial support of individuals, business houses, donor friends, and governments makes this work possible.